Now death penalty for mutiny in Coast Guard

The House last night passed a bill titled "Bangladesh Coast Guard-2016," introducing a provision for capital punishment for any mutiny in the force.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal placed the Bill in parliament which was passed by voice vote.

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The proposed law aims at making the Coast Guard a disciplined, skilled and effective force through updating the existing 1994 Act.

The law defined various mutiny-related offences and trial procedures, the minister said, adding that it would pave the way for protecting the country's sovereignty, preventing crimes and preserving its maritime resources.

OFFICERS ON SPECIAL DUTY

Public Administration Minister Syed Ashraful Islam told the House that a total of 187 government officials have been made OSD (officer on special duty) at present.

Of the OSD officials, two are secretaries, 17 are additional secretaries, 72 are joint secretaries, 45 are deputy secretaries, 35 are senior assistant secretaries and 16 are assistant secretaries who are working at different departments, said the minister.

PENDING CASES WITH COURTS

Replying to lawmakers' queries, Law Minister Anisul Huq told the parliament that around 30,787 smuggling cases, involving over Tk 839 crore, were now pending with different courts across the country, adding that the government had taken measures for quick disposal of these cases.

There were over 4.07 lakh cases pending with the Supreme Court, he added.

EARNINGS FROM FISH AND FISH PRODUCTS

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Muhammed Sayedul Hoque informed the House that Bangladesh earned $599.05 million   from the export of fish and fish products in the last fiscal year.

Bangladesh exported a total of 83,524 metric tons of fish and fish products to 56 countries in the same period, he said while responding to a query.

The major markets for Bangladeshi fish and fish products are Belgium, the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, France, the USA, Russia, Japan, Chine, Saudi Arab, Denmark, India and also Portugal.